And that’s a wrap on May! Where did the month go? While we try and figure that out, here’s what happened this week:
Lawmakers in Springfield have been busy as the spring legislative session comes to a close. In addition to trying to pass a spending plan without “broad-based” taxes before Saturday’s deadline, state senators are considering a huge transit bill that would address a $771 million shortfall in Chicago-area transit agencies’ budgets.
Two big measures have also advanced in the final days of the session. The Illinois House passed a bill that would legalize medical aid in dying for terminally ill people, and state legislators voted to ban police from ticketing and fining students for minor infractions at school, a common practice uncovered in the Tribune-ProPublica investigation “The Price Kids Pay.” The former awaits approval by the Senate and the latter now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law.
Chicago-born Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover got some good news this week. In a controversial decision, President Donald Trump commuted his federal life sentences. But Hoover will remain in prison, serving a 200-year sentence for his state court conviction for murder.
Tariffs dominated the news again this week. The president announced Sunday that the U.S. will delay its 50% tariff on goods from the European Union until July 9 to allow time for negotiations. But on Wednesday, a federal trade court blocked the administration from imposing taxes on imports under an emergency-powers law, as tariffs must typically be approved by Congress. Still, that doesn’t mean they’re going away quite yet. A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that the president can temporarily continue collecting tariffs while he appeals the trade court’s decision. For more on that, here’s where things stand.
Elon Musk is leaving the Trump administration. The announcement came shortly after the Tesla CEO criticized Trump’s “Big, Beautiful, Bill” during a CBS interview. As the billionaire returns to his business ventures, he faces some big challenges.
In Chicago sports news, Caleb Williams addressed murmurings that he tried to avoid being drafted by the Bears in 2024, saying “I wanted to come here.” In Thursday’s win over the Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot broke the all-time franchise scoring record, a title previously held by her wife, Allie Quigley. And Sox fans can honor one of their own being elected pope at a celebration at Rate Field on June 14. Tickets went on sale Friday.
Plus, Chonkosaurus is back! The famed snapping turtle was spotted basking in the Chicago River this week. If — like Chonk — you’re looking to lounge outside in the beautiful weather this weekend, check out our patio guide for 25 spots around the city.
Without further ado, here’s the Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz from May 25 to 31. Missed last week? You can find it here or check out our past editions of Quotes of the Week.
Best of luck!